Beginners guide for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Starting bjj can be an overwhelming experience.
So whether you are just beginning your journey or perhaps helping out a friend whos´s just starting his or hers training ,this guide is for you.

1. Putting on your Gi

Your gi is your armour,be sure to keep it clean and in good condition. Be sure to put your gipants on the right way. Gi companies put their logo on the frontside of the pants,thread the string of the pants through the laces to make a tight knot.

The jacket usually has the logo of the maker on the left side which comes on top of the right.

2. The Belt

3. Etiquette

Before you go to class be sure to clip your finger- and toenails, wash your hands and feet and make sure you have a clean GI.

Different gyms have different etiquette so get to know yours. Here are some examples. Black belts who teach class are called professor, teacher, instructor or simply go by their name. Some gyms prefer to have the students line up in belt ranking order, highest belts in front or to the left hand side of the instructor.

Bowing, it´s common practice to bow before you step on the mat to greet and respect the dojo. Also depending on the etiquette of your gym you might also bow before and after class.

OSS is an axpression many BJJ clubs use to greet, signal that you have understood your instructor, when you bow or just because it sounds cool.

In the end of class it´s common to shake hands or “high five” everyone whos attended.

4. Sparring

Sparring is a freeform of practice where you and your partner roll and try to submit each other.
Sometimes sparring might be more spesific where you have to achieve or escape a certain position.

Fist bump
Slapping hands and bumping your fists together indicates you are ready to start a roll.

Tapping out

When caught in a submission hold, whether it be a choke or lock and you cannot get out you tap your partner to signal you are giving up. Sometimes you might not be able to tap with your hand you may also tap with your feet or verbally submit yelling “Tap” or “Maitta”.

It is okay to tap out when being in an uncomfortable position and not knowing how to get (this is common for beginners when caught in heavy side control, mount or knee on belly and not being able to breathe or feeling claustrophobic).

It´s always wiser to tap out than risking getting injured while fighting off a submission.

Strength vs. Technique

It´s normal to use a lot of strength in the beginning when you start training BJJ. Gradually you will learn to incorporate more technique into your game. Although you might have to rely on more on strength at first you should try to use the techniques you are being taught.

Jesse Malmberg, 32 years old and father of three. Started training BJJ formally in 2003 with prior martial arts experience in karate, Muay Thai, Sambo, Submission Wrestling and Judo. Started teaching at blue belt and has been a professional, full time instructor since 2009.
Jesse was awarded a black belt in 2012 by Lucio Linhares and Adam Finfou Nascimento.